Trifolium rubens aka Red Trefoil

Trifolium rubens is a perennial in the pea family, Fabaceae. Gardeners know it as ruddy clover or red feather clover. Its native range lies in Europe. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. This plant forms a bushy clump with a rounded outline. It suits beds where a low mound fits the planting. The RHS lists it for both flower borders and meadows.

The RHS describes clumps about 2 feet [0.6 metres] tall and wide. Its wider size range reaches 3.3 feet [1 metre] in both directions. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The blue-green leaves have narrow, lance-shaped leaflets with small teeth. Fine silver hairs cover the leaves. The foliage is semi-evergreen, rather than fully evergreen or deciduous. Its leafy mound provides a base for the flower clusters.

The pointed flower clusters reach about 0.26 feet [0.08 metres] long. Flowers open from the bottom of each cluster upward. The RHS describes their colour as deep red-purple. Chicago Botanic Garden also lists pink, red and purple shades. Its bloom calendar runs from May through August. Chicago lists the plant as attractive to birds and butterflies. The RHS recommends its blooms for use as cut flowers. These flowers also suit cottage gardens and other informal beds.

Choose full sun for the growing site. Chicago Botanic Garden also lists partial shade as an option. The RHS accepts chalk, clay, loam and sandy soils. It also lists acid, neutral and alkaline soil conditions. Soil should drain well, though it can remain moist. The supplied care data lists moderate watering. Both exposed and sheltered sites fall within the RHS guidance. East-, west- and south-facing positions are all listed as suitable. The RHS gives this plant its H7 hardiness rating. Chicago Botanic Garden places it in USDA zones 5–9.

Routine pruning is not needed, according to the RHS. Seed is the listed means of raising new plants. The RHS reports few disease problems for this species. Pea and bean weevils may still attack it. These points suggest a plant with fairly simple routine care. The supplied sources give no details about edible parts. They also provide no toxicity assessment for people or pets.